6th November 2023
Listen
Listen
As of writing, my assessment results for COMM111’s in-person written exam have been released on My Liverpool.
In summary, I am happy with not just this success but the journey I have taken during this first year of university. So, I think it would be good to reflect on the past year, my experiences and what I look forward to in second year.
Back in September last year, a key quote which my first lecturer said to us was that “school teaches you what to think, university teaches you how to think”. This sentiment is something I think we can all agree on. As someone who studied A-Level English Language and Literature, Media Studies and Computer Science, the specification was a vital component of our learning.
I’m adamant that we as college students found ourselves revising information and content for the sake of memorisation rather than genuine understanding. Although, I will admit that Computer Science did challenge this mindset, since to memorise the terms and concepts being depicted, I did have to actually comprehend it with real confidence. If you were to ask me now to compare The Great Gatsby and Othello, I would have a much harder time doing so than if you did back in A-Levels.
Additionally, another thing we should consider were that of binary discussions (e.g – x suggests that they are for y, etc). In A-Levels, even in subjects like History, argumentation would be simplified to strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons.
There was rarely any room for nuance.
This was only a minor issue for me since I did like to challenge myself to learn new concepts and theories, which could be applicable to Media and English (less so with Computer Science since STEM curricula rarely allows for multiple interpretations).
Now, my university social life has been a little more restrained than how many people would spend their first year. As a commuter, it has been challenging to go on nights out and partake in events that are later in the day, since I have to consider my train journeys.
But I won’t lie, I have been out a fair bit. Can’t go wrong with an occasional trip to Disco Spoons. I went there right after my COMM111 exam and absolutely loved it. More recently, I went to Black Rabbit for the first time and tried the RIP shot. I nearly died from how hot it was, it was incredible.
In terms of on campus, I did keep to myself for the first few months, preferring to settle in first on my own and then get to know people gradually. Now, I’ve been able to make a few strong friends, which I’m very glad about (shoutout to Kat, Maddie and Mel).
However, a huge issue I’ve kind of had with university is that people just don’t really talk. At all. The amount of times I’ve been sat in seminars with an uncomfortable long silence after the teacher asked a question is ridiculous. To be fair, I imagine many people are just tired and have hangovers from being out the night before, which is fair enough. This silence did improve across the following months but it was always a big factor in discouraging me from being in class.
Another issue was the increased subjectivity in marking. I’m a firm believer that throughout my entire first year that I’ve still remained in A-Level exam mode; this is perhaps why I’ve faired better in my exam assessments than the essays. I’m also a firm believer that the staff who work at university, particularly University of Liverpool, work hard to give us the best experience.
But the essays have been very hit or miss for me. On the one hand, I do take some blame in my inexperience of university essay writing.
This is still new to me (particularly referencing, which has made me second-guess a lot of the statements I make in my work). Despite being comfortable with essays from my prior A-Level subjects and GCSEs, I have found it very inconsistent regarding my essays. Some marking has felt as though the person didn’t consider my essay in its full extent. Some have given me the impression that I had been excelling in referencing, while others have regressed this belief.
Regardless, I have still been able to attain a pass and above throughout each of my modules and their respective assignments. Not to flex but I would like to think I’m a smart individual. Who has an excessive habit of using verbose language. Thus, I reframed this year to instead be something of a test run for university, rather than needing to achieve the highest grade possible.
To take a true look back on this year, I want to highlight some important things I’ve done:
Overall, I have really liked the shift from A-Level to university, since college exam season was genuinely one of the most stressful points in my life. I’m studying a subject that I love in hopes of becoming a journalist and a chance to tell stories. While I no longer study English, I will take the lessons I’ve learnt and appreciate the time I’ve spent with it.
I’m looking forward to Year 2, as I will be able to specialise into more digital-focused modules that link to my degree BA Media, Data and Society.
For reference, I have registered for the following modules in second year:
I’m also looking forward to continue my work on here, as I do truly enjoy getting this platform to share not just my views but also other perspectives too. I’ve been able to converse with people from all walks of life and put a spotlight on things which are personal to me.
This summer break has filled me with plenty of article ideas and I aim to get more active in the university culture. I recommend that you check out all of the other pieces of work that I and these talented writers have shared on LGSM, since without you, we would be publishing for ourselves.
How has your year been? What year are you in? Feel free to email me at johnjoyce4535@gmail.com!
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Check out my last article: Digital Safeguarding – The Under-16s Social Media Ban
Or check out my website! Published a blog a while back called Linguistics: 101, serving as an introduction to linguistics.
For more opinion pieces, check out the following link:
https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/opinion
Moreover, for information about things happening on campus, click the link below:
https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/on-campus
